EU chief says investment plan for Western Balkan candidate members will require reforms

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The European Commission’s top official says a decade-long investment package for Western Balkan countries that are seeking to join the bloc could vastly improve the region's economy. But she also stressed that the assistance is conditioned on required reforms by these countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right and North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, left, arrive to a news conference, following their meeting at the Government building in Skopje, North Macedonia, on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen started her four-day visit to the Western Balkans in North Macedonia, a tour that includes Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed details of the 6 billion euro package during a visit to North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, at the start of a four-day trip to the region. EU leadersAt a news conference Monday with North Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, von der Leyen said the EU package had the potential to double North Macedonia’s economy within a decade. “That is the goal, and it will play an important role in your path towards the EU,” she said.

She said the plan would allow Western Balkan companies access to key sectors of the block’s single market, while at the same time countries in the region would be expected to open their own markets to their neighbors.Thousands march in North Macedonia over claims cancer hospital staff stole drugs meant for patientsVon der Leyen also stressed the need for the Western Balkans to carry on “positive reforms.

She said North Macedonia should secure efficient public administration, sound public finances and an independent judiciary. It also needs to better fight corruption, she said. Later Monday, the EU commission chief visited Kosovo. She will also make stops in Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia.While Montenegro and Serbia are advancing, North Macedonia and Albania started membership negotiations with the EU in July 2022. Bosnia was granted candidate status five months later, while Kosovo was recognized as a potential candidate to join the block.

 

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